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Lower Radiator Support Replacement Cost

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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 01:26 PM
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Default Lower Radiator Support Replacement Cost

I bought my 2013 last year. I just took it in for an oil change and my dealer found two leaking lines that cost me $600 to fix. The mechanic showed me how the front bottom was missing some brackets and others were broken. The result was the piece that hangs down is one inch lower than it should be and not securely held in place. He said I must have hit either a speed bump or incline too hard and it broke those two lines. To replace what they are calling the “lower radiator support” they gave me an estimate of $2,342.74. My question is is that a fair price? I plan on getting an estimate from other shops. I’m in Tampa, so any suggestions would be helpful.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 01:55 PM
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That is outrageous! It's not rocket science. Get the part online and have a local shop do it. They run between $250 and $350. Try ebay.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Bad Scooter
I bought my 2013 last year. I just took it in for an oil change and my dealer found two leaking lines that cost me $600 to fix. The mechanic showed me how the front bottom was missing some brackets and others were broken. The result was the piece that hangs down is one inch lower than it should be and not securely held in place. He said I must have hit either a speed bump or incline too hard and it broke those two lines. To replace what they are calling the “lower radiator support” they gave me an estimate of $2,342.74. My question is is that a fair price? I plan on getting an estimate from other shops. I’m in Tampa, so any suggestions would be helpful.
The lower radiator support is worth $280. or so and a couple hours labor to replace so that is not a fair price.$600. max
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 02:02 PM
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 02:32 PM
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Thanks everyone! I figured they were trying to screw me over.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 03:09 PM
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Never take it to the stealership. These forums are great resources for DIY instructions, and a lot of the things on these cars are pretty easy to do.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 03:32 PM
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The bumper cover does not have to come off to replace the radiator support. At least, on a z06/gs it doesn't. Don'tr know if you're driving a base or a wide body. A little less than $300 for the support, and at the absolute outside it's 2 hours of labor.

I've actually had mine on and off several times over this last week while building a splitter and mounts, and that's on jack stands with hand tools. It's not hard and certainly not rocket science.

$2300 is unconscionable, UNLESS there is more damage there than simply the radiator mount itself. If there is more to this story than just the mount itself, then sure, price goes up. Are any of the surrounding plastics torn? radiator undamaged? AC condensor and lines ok?

It would be interesting to see the estimate and see how they account for $2300.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Bad Scooter
I bought my 2013 last year. I just took it in for an oil change and my dealer found two leaking lines that cost me $600 to fix. The mechanic showed me how the front bottom was missing some brackets and others were broken. The result was the piece that hangs down is one inch lower than it should be and not securely held in place. He said I must have hit either a speed bump or incline too hard and it broke those two lines. To replace what they are calling the “lower radiator support” they gave me an estimate of $2,342.74. My question is is that a fair price? I plan on getting an estimate from other shops. I’m in Tampa, so any suggestions would be helpful.
Your estimate from the dealership is outrageous!! Being in the Tampa area, I think by contacting fellow Corvette owners or Vette club members, you would find someone who could recommend a repair shop that has a reliable and competent Corvette mechanic. I know there are a number in SoFlorida which have posted/advertised on the Forum in the past. Good luck !
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 09:52 AM
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Anyone have access to book time or even warranty time for this replacement?

The above posts indicate a 2 hour DIY job and $300 part, so $2300 seems outrageous.
Post # 7 is right on, is there more to the story?
OP can you post the estimate?
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 12:59 PM
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You didn’t notice any leaks prior to taking it in for an oil change & they found 2 they required $600 to fix? What 2 lines needed fixed for $600?

As others have already stated, the price quoted for the lower radiator support is ridiculous. If you’re physically able, I would recommend reading up on how to perform standard maintenance on your GS.

The Corvette is one of of the easiest cars to work on.

Last edited by JABCAT; Jun 27, 2020 at 01:00 PM.
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 01:40 PM
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Your in the Tampa area ... Call Powertech Performance in St Petersburg. There phone number is 727-826-0803 ... Joe is the owner.

Just tell them you want a labor estimate for replacing the lower radiator support.

In fact, Powertech will be installing a new high stall torque converter in my GS very soon.
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 01:44 PM
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BTW ... Here is a link to what I believe is the best lower radiator support on the market (stronger than the OEM support)

http://cranescorvettesupply.com/2005...cket-skid-bar/

$277
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbo6TA
BTW ... Here is a link to what I believe is the best lower radiator support on the market (stronger than the OEM support)

http://cranescorvettesupply.com/2005...cket-skid-bar/

$277
This is the one I used. It has the nut inserts already installed. Make sure you check others or you might have to install them. The support is a pretty easy job. You just need to support the radiator and drop out the support and replace. Here's a video, you don't need to take the bumper cover off.


Last edited by salt6; Jun 27, 2020 at 05:49 PM.
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Old Jul 1, 2020 | 04:43 AM
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On my 05 base, my lower rad support was broken in 2 places and bent out of shape a bit from getting to close to parking stops. I took it off with hand tools and jack stands [ about an hour] then took it to a local welding shop. they welded it up and made a few new pieces to replace the bent part and it only cost me $45.00. Now it is stronger then the OEM.
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Old Jul 1, 2020 | 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by myfastrs
On my 05 base, my lower rad support was broken in 2 places and bent out of shape a bit from getting to close to parking stops. I took it off with hand tools and jack stands [ about an hour] then took it to a local welding shop. they welded it up and made a few new pieces to replace the bent part and it only cost me $45.00. Now it is stronger then the OEM.
When I replaced mine, I removed it with the radiator just hanging by the hoses and tranny lines. Not a problem, took about an hour on the QuickJack.
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Old Jul 4, 2020 | 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Sox-Fan
The bumper cover does not have to come off to replace the radiator support. At least, on a z06/gs it doesn't. Don'tr know if you're driving a base or a wide body. A little less than $300 for the support, and at the absolute outside it's 2 hours of labor.

I've actually had mine on and off several times over this last week while building a splitter and mounts, and that's on jack stands with hand tools. It's not hard and certainly not rocket science.

$2300 is unconscionable, UNLESS there is more damage there than simply the radiator mount itself. If there is more to this story than just the mount itself, then sure, price goes up. Are any of the surrounding plastics torn? radiator undamaged? AC condensor and lines ok?

It would be interesting to see the estimate and see how they account for $2300.
Fully agree with this reply - replaced lower radiator mount/skid plate .Corvette was a 2008 C6 Coupe ZHZ if that makes a difference.
Followed these directions
I'm 77yo with heart issues did the replacement on jack stands w/ floor jacks serving as safety supports. Front wheels off, inner fenders out, air dam off easy peasy from there. the hardest thing for me was holding up and aligning the new support brkt. while starting the mounting bolts to the frame, took my time with this step. Not being strong as I used to be took several breaks along the way, laying on my back with arms up required the breaks Made double sure that car was securely on the jacks before sliding my old body under it. Probably 4-5 hrs total start to finish. Used all hand tools(no air tools)
I think I paid $322 plus tax for the new support, did the complete replacement by myself with no assistance.
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Old Jan 3, 2021 | 08:45 PM
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Hello forum members.

I just found out I have to replace my radiator support as it is bent and cracked at 2 different weld spots. I'm seeing pricing from $270's to $330 posted here (and only a few months ago). I'm shopping online and I'm finding them at $450 to $500. Can anyone recommend where they are finding this part for the lower cost?? I could certainly find better uses for the extra $200.

Thanks in advance!!
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Old Jan 4, 2021 | 12:01 AM
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Here it is for $275
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